AN  EYEWITNESS  TELLS

John is writing this treatise at the close of the 1st Century AD. What does he have in mind as he writes? The Churches he has the oversight of have been in existence for several decades. Perhaps he is thinking that it may be time for his readers to ask themselves some questions  …

   The Trustworthiness Of The Message ~ 1:1-2

 John and the other Apostles were eyewitnesses. He tells of …

- that which was from the beginning

- that ... which we have heard

- that ... which we have seen with our eyes

- that ... which we have looked at and our hands have touched

We too, in a spiritual sense, may speak from the perspective of eyewitnesses. But first, let's ask ourselves some questions ...

   Are We Sure That Our Christian Life Is On Track? ~ 1:3 - 2:11

 (a) The Fellowship Check ~ 1:3-7

 The Elements Of The Test (vs. 3-4)

People - Fellowship

The Test Explained (vs. 5-7)

Light - Darkness

The Test Applied (vs. 6-7)

What evidence is there that we are God’s people?

What is there to show that I am God’s person?

         (b) The Being Honest With Ourselves Check ~ 1:8 - 2:2

 Do we deny the reality of a sinful nature? (1:8)

 Do we deny the actuality of having sinned? (1:10)

Such denial seems to contradict the teaching of Scriptures such as Psalm 14:3, Isaiah 64:6, Ezekiel 18:4, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:10-12.

Or do we accept the presence of both a sinful nature and sinful actions in our lives? (1:9)

Can we really know who we are until we come to this understanding of ourselves? Can we know our true identity apart from the realisation that by nature and by practice we are sinful people?

Accepting this truth about ourselves leads on to our asking for and receiving forgiveness.

Consider the three aspects of this prayer for forgiveness that are referred to in verse 9.

Confession
Confidence in approaching the Lord
Forgiveness and purifying

There is continuous provision for sinfulness (2:1-2)

Our Advocate (vs. 1) - 'παρακλητοs'  (paraklētos) - John 4:16,26 - 15:26 - 16:7

The Atoning Sacrifice (vs. 2)

Propitiation or Expiation?
How are we to understand the wrath of God?
What about the concept of Atonement in the Jewish sacrificial system?
And how is the concept of atonement pictured in the construction of Noah’s ark?

For the whole world (vs. 2)

Are all people saved? Or many?

   (c) The Knowing God Check ~ 2:3-6

Knowing the Lord. (vs. 3)

What is the difference between having knowledge of a person and knowing that person?
What does it mean to know the Lord? (vs. 3)
The Gnostics claimed to possess knowledge and enlightenment. What was the teaching of Gnosticism which was troubling the Church at this time? Go to Digging Deeper

To know the Lord is to obey him.

What does obeying his word mean? (vs. 3, 5)

To obey the Lord is to know that we know him. (vs. 3)

To disobey the Lord is to live a lie. (vs. 4)

To obey the Lord is to experience the fullness of his love. (vs. 5)

To ‘walk as Jesus did’ is to know that we know that we know the Lord. (vs. 5-6)
      In what ways are we able to ‘walk as Jesus did?’

It is important to remember that obeying the Lord does not cause us to know him but indicates that we do know him. We walk with him because we know him.

Kistemaker writes, “John probably wrote these words to oppose Gnostic teachers who extolled gathering knowledge at the expense of obedience.” [Kistemaker, p. 257]

   (d) The Brotherly/Sisterly/Neighbourly Love Check ~ 2:7-11

Is John confused when he says, ‘I am not writing you a new command but an old one?’ (vs. 7) ‘Yet I am writing you a new command’ (vs. 8)

What is this command he is referring to?

In what sense is it old, in what sense is it new?

The word ‘new’ translates the Greek word 'καινοs' (kainos). Kistemaker [p. 260] explains, “The word ... suggests that the old has given way to the new ... Jesus gave this command greater significance, in a new form.” Alexander [p. 130] writes, “ 'καινοs' - that which is opposed to, which replaces and supersedes the antiquated, inferior, outworn - new in the world of thought.” Stott [p. 93] says of the word, “... Jesus Christ invested it with a richer and deeper meaning.”

Can the readers take some encouragement from John’s next words? (vs. 8)

The nature of the test is now explained in a reference to the stark contrast  between darkness and light and between those who walk in darkness and those who live in the light. (vs. 9-11)

What are some of the characteristics of the person who “lives in the light”? (vs. 10)

And of the person who “walks around in the darkness”? (vs. 11)

It is important to remember that a loving attitude does not bring us into the light but it is a sign that we are walking in the light.

   Do We Still Believe As We Used To? ~ 2:12-14

 Notice the literary form of this section - step parallelism.

   How are we to view the three groups of people John refers to?

   He speaks to each group twice.
      Are they particular age groups?
      Or stages in spiritual development?

The tense of the verb ‘write’ is different in the two segments. Is this significant?

What does John say to each group?

Is what he says the second time the same as the first?

   How Important Is Our Christian Faith To Us Today? ~ 2:15-17

 Compare John’s words with what Jesus says in his story of the sower of seed (Mark 4:7, 19) and Paul to the Christians in Rome (Romans 12:1-2)

Is there anything springing up in our hearts which may be impeding the growth of the word?

Are we allowing the Lord to transform us by altering our world view to that of his?

How are we to understand  John’s directive? “Do not love the world ...”

In what sense is John using the word 'κοσμοs' (kosmos), translated ‘world’?

John now refers to some of the ways peoples’ world view and value systems find expression in human behaviour.

‘the cravings of sinful man’  (vs. 16. cf. Ephesians 2:3, James 1:15, 2 Peter 2:10)

‘the lust of his eyes’ (vs. 16. eg., Genesis 3:6, Joshua 7:21, 2 Samuel 11:2. Note, Psalm 119:37, 101:1-3, 141:8, Hebrews 12:1-2)

‘the boastful pride of life’ (NASB vs. 16.) How are we to understand these words?

Is there, as some commentators suggest, ‘a trinity of evil’ expressed in these verses?

Notice the things that are contrasted in this section of John’s treatise.

How are we to reconcile John’s words ‘Do not love the world or anything in the world,’ with those of Jesus recorded in John 17:13-19, Mark 16:5? How important is the Lord to us in today’s world? How important is his call in the face of the call of the world to us?

   The Trustworthiness of the Message is Targeted ~ 2:18-27

 John began his treatise with reference to the message concerning the coming of Christ who he referred to as the Word of Life. John was an eyewitness of Christ’s life and ministry, his death, risen life, ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. We asked ourselves the question, “Do we still accept the trustworthiness of that message?” Now John warns his readers that the credibility of the message is under attack.

   'Dear children ...' (vs. 18)

      John is speaking to the whole church. He writes as an understanding and wise pastor. He speaks with the authority of age.

   ' ... this is the last hour' (vs. 18)

What period does John have in mind? How does the expression compare with the term ‘the last days’?
   Refer to Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2, James 5:3, 1 Peter 1:20, 2 Peter 2:3, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 3:1.

Jesus used the term ‘the last day’. (John 6:40, 12:48). How does this fit in? Martha also referred to ‘the last day’. How did she understand the term? 

What can we make of the expression ‘the last day of the last days of the last days’? 

      What is the source of this attack on the message? (vs. 18-19)

   'And as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming even now many antichrists have come.' (vs. 18)

The antichrist - one yet many.

Who is the one? A person or a system?

Paul speaks of ‘the man of lawlessness’ (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 8-9),  and of the ‘mystery of lawlessness’ (2 Thessalonians 2:7).

Who are the many?

Jesus spoke of ‘false Christs and false prophets’ (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22).

Where were they first noticed? (vs. 19)

Compare Paul’s warning many years previously, of ‘savage wolves ... from your own number’ (Acts 20:29-30).

What may have been the circumstance of their departure? (vs. 19).

How are we able to discern error?

J. B. Phillips talks of a sixth sense which enables us to sense whether something is true or not.

John speaks of ‘an anointing’ (vs. 20)

Refer to Leviticus 8 for an example of anointing with oil.
This symbolises the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

      It is the Holy Spirit who gives us the gift of discernment. (John 14:23-27, 16:13)

      The light of truth exposes error (vs. 21)

      Who is the Holy One who anoints us? (vs. 20)

    Refer to 2 Corinthians 1:21, Acts 3:14. John 6:69, Mark 1:24, Luke 4:34. 

  Notice how John describes the work of an antichrist. (vs. 22-23)

Compare this with the words of Jesus. (John 8:42-44)

How are we to prevent the teaching of error taking hold in our lives and churches?

Hold on to the truth first received. (vs. 24-25, Revelation 3:11)
Refer also to Psalm 119:9-11, Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 3:16-19, 5:17-19, John 15.

Note the contrast John draws between false teachers and Christian believers. (vs. 26-27)

   Keeping Our Christian Walk on Track ~ 2:28 - 3:24

(a¹) Stay in Fellowship With the Lord ~ 2:28

John’s previous discussion of fellowship focussed on the present (1:3).
Now he points his readers on to the future (vs. 28, cf. 2 John vs. 9).

How is it that we will be able to ‘be confident and unashamed before him at his coming’?

          (b¹) Maintain the Integrity Which Confirms That We Belong to the  Lord ~ 2:29

In his former reference John urges his readers to be honest with themselves and acknowledge their sinfulness. He reminded them there of the forgiveness that comes with the confession of sin. (1:8-10) Now he encourages them and us to live as the people of God. Forgiven people do not choose to keep on sinning. Compare vs. 29 with Paul’s comments to the Christians in Rome.  (Romans 6:1-4) 

          (c¹) Walk As Those Who Know the Lord ~ 3:1-10

Earlier in his treatise (2:3), John indicated that walking with the Lord in obedience to his commands is a sign that a person has come to know him. Now he explains more of what it means to know the Lord.

Notice some of the things John mentions in vs.1-3 about those who know the Lord.

How does Paul’s teaching of 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 fit with John’s statement, “But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (vs. 2)? cf. Revelation 1:7, 9-20, 22:4, John 19:37, Zechariah 12:10, Matthew 5:8.

Next, John mentions some of the features which distinguish those who know the Lord from those who do not. These emerge as John discusses some of the basic elements of the Christian message (vs. 4-10). Notice the literary form of the section, step parallelism.

[a] (vs. 4) To sin is to break the law. We don’t become sinners because we break the law. We break the law because we are sinners.

[b] (vs. 5) Forgiveness is available because of Christ’s sacrificial death. “... in him is no sin” (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19).

[c] (vs. 6a) Those who know the Lord do not keep on sinning. (vs. 6b) Those who do not know him persist in their sinfulness.

[d] (vs. 7) Those who know the Lord desire to please him. Their deeds provide evidence that they belong to him.

John now goes on to amplify what he has just said.

[a¹] (vs. 8a) What further information about human sinfulness does John add here?

[b¹] (vs. 8b) John adds something more now about the purpose of Christ’s coming. What is the meaning of the words “... to destroy the devil’s work.” ?

[c¹] (vs. 9) Further to his previous comments, John now gives two reasons that those who know the Lord do not go on sinning. What is he referring to by the phrase ‘God’s seed’?

[d¹] (vs. 10) John now rounds out what he said in verse 7b. How does he describe the contrast between children of God and children of the devil.

With regard to 1 John 3:7-10, Simon Kistemaker [p. 304-305] writes,

   “Literature on 1 John 3:7-10 is extensive. Numerous commentators express their opinion on what they deem is the correct interpretation of these verses in the light of the entire epistle. They examine all aspects of this passage quite often from their own theological or philosophical bent. They discuss the apparent contradiction between 1:8, 10, 'If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us' ... 'If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar,' and 3:9c, 'he cannot go on sinning' (see also 5:16). Remarks Raymond E. Brown, 'No other New Testament author contradicts himself so sharply within such a short span of writing, and inevitably much scholarly energy has been devoted to proving that no contradiction exists.'

   What are scholars saying about this problem. From numerous explanations here are three samples presented in summary form.
   1. John writes as a pastor to his people and calls them to confess their sins (see 1:8-10). But he also holds before them the ideal that all those who are born of God cannot sin. This view however, represents an ideal, not reality.
   2. We should distinguish between different kinds of sin—deliberate sin (5:16-17) and involuntary sins, mortal sins and insignificant sins, and the sin of refusing to believe in Jesus over against the believers temporary lapse into sin. Nevertheless, in the sight of God every sin is a transgression of his law (James 2:9-11).
   3. John describes the person who persistently sins because he is the power of the evil one and the Christian who sometimes may fall into sin, but cannot sin persistently. In expressing this thought, John uses Greek verbs in the present tense that indicate continual action (for instance, 'he cannot go on sinning' [3:9] ). Many commentators have adopted this approach as a plausible approach."

    (d¹) More on the Brotherly/Sisterly/Neighbourly Love Check ~ 3:11-24

In his former reference (2:7-11), John showed that love for others was evidence that a person was walking in light, its absence, that darkness prevailed.

How does John expand on what he wrote there? (3:11-24)

How can we know what love really is? (vs. 16)
How are we to love? (vs. 18)
Why should we love others? (vs. 23-24)

  Christian Belief Under Attack ~ 4:1-3

Earlier in his treatise John reminded his readers of the things they believed and had experienced (2:12-14). We asked the question of them and ourselves, “Do we still believe as we used to?” Now John points to the fact that everything they believed is under attack.

Where does John say this attack is coming from?

What was at the heart of the error being taught?

Identify some of the forms in which this teaching survives even today.

Note the specific test that John says should be applied to all teaching and the conclusions that can be arrived at after it is given.

Christ’s humanity and deity may be a truth that is beyond our present understanding.

 G. Campbell Morgan [p. 79], makes this comment, “He was the God-man. Not God indwelling a man. Of such there have been many. Not a man deified. Of such there have been none save in the myths of pagan systems; but God and man, combining in one Personality the two natures, a perpetual enigma and mystery baffling the possibility of explanation.”

It is, nevertheless, a truth which can be experienced.

Put yourself in the place of  those who did just that.

See for example, Luke 8:22-25, John 11:17-44.

John had no doubts about the humanity and deity of Jesus. He was an eyewitness. He saw. He experienced.

Totally awesome. Remember the story Chuck Swindoll tells. [p. 149].

  Overcoming The Pull Of The World ~ 4:4-5

 In his former reference to the world (2:15-17), John had in mind the world’s lifestyle and values. Now he is concerned with the false teachers who “have gone out into the world.” (vs. 1).

 Why are Christians able to prevail in a climate of error?

 Notice the several contrasts that emerge in this section of the treatise.

  Getting To The Heart Of The Message ~ 4:7-12

In the opening paragraph of the letter we noticed John’s confidence in the trustworthiness of the message. (1:1-2). Further on in the treatise we sensed his concern as he described the growing intensity of the attacks on the credibility of the message. (2:18-27). Now John takes us into the heart of the Christian message.

“God is love.” (vs. 8)

How are we to understand this phrase?

Is it a definition of who God is or is it a description of one of his attributes.?

How can we love others as John tells us to? (vs. 7-8)

In what way has God showed his love to the world? (vs. 9-10)

How is God’s love an example to follow? (vs. 11-12)

“... his love is made complete in us.” (vs. 12)

How are we to understand this statement?

Kistemaker [p. 335] comments, " 'τετελειωμενη' (teteleiōmenē) - the perfect tense in the passive voice, from 'τελειοω' (teleiō) 'I make perfect', denotes action that occurred in the past but has lasting effect. God is the agent.”

Compare the statement with 1 John 3:1-3, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.

  Confirmation Of A Christian Life Being On Track ~ 4:13-21

 Earlier in his letter John described the tests which reveal whether or not a Christian life is on track. The tests relate to four aspects of the Christian life, fellowship, facing the reality of human sinfulness, knowing the Lord, and loving others. (1:3 - 2:11). Next time round he wrote about how to stay on track. (2:28 - 3:24). Now he talks of how the Lord gives us assurance that we really are on the right road. Stott [p. 168] points out that there is “an interweaving of themes” in these verses. We wander to and fro through all six as we identify the assurances John is wanting his readers to see.

 (a²) Assurance of Fellowship With the Lord ~ vs. 13-18

Notice the reason John gives for this assurance.

Compare vs. 13 with Romans 8:8-17, John 16:13-15.

(b²) The Assurance of Sins Forgiven ~ vs. 13-18

Tease out the reasons for such an assurance tucked away in these sentences.

What does it mean to “rely on the love God has for us”? (vs. 16)

Why is it that Christians do not fear the day of judgement? (vs. 17)

 No punishment awaits the Christian. (vs.18). Why?

(c²⁾  Being Sure of Knowing the Lord ~ vs. 13-18

We know that we know.

How do we know? (vs. 13, 14, 15)

“... we live in him and he in us ...” (vs. 13)

What does John mean when he says 'we live in him'?

'μενω' (menō) - ‘to abide, remain, stay, continue, have a permanent place.’

cf. Acts 17:28.

 “Love is made complete among us ...” (vs. 17)

How does this statement compare to a similar one in vs. 12?

“... because in this world we are like him.” (vs. 17)

In what possible ways can we be like Christ?

What are we to make of what Jesus said in these verses? John 14:12-13, 17:17-19.

 “... perfect love ...” (vs. 18)

How can our love be described as perfect?

'τελειοω' (teleioō) ‘to make perfect, complete, reach goal.’

“... drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.” (vs. 18)

Can this really happen?

 'φοβεομαι' (fobeomai) - ‘to be afraid, alarmed, terrified, fearful.’ The English word ‘phobia’ comes from this Greek word.

What is the answer to our phobias? Think about verses like John 6:20, 12:15. 14:27, Psalm 27:1, 56:3, 118:6.

(d²) We Love Because He First Loved Us ~ vs. 19-21

See what Jesus says. Matthew 22:34-40. Compare with Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18.

How is our love for God confirmed?

  Christian Belief, Love, and Obedience ~ 5:1-3

 Earlier in his letter John reminded his readers of what they had experienced when they first believed in Christ, the forgiveness of sins, and victory over the evil one. (1:12-14). Then he wrote of how Christian belief was under attack. (4:1-3). Now he talks about the relationship between Christian belief, love, and obedience to the Lord.

Jesus is the Christ. (vs. 1)

He is the promised Messiah. He is the promised prophet after the likeness of Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18, John 1:21, Acts 3:22-23), the promised priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:11), the promised king fulfilling the promises of the kingship given to David (2 Samuel 7:11-16).

Believing that Jesus is the Christ (vs. 1)

Does believing precede being born again?

Or does the new birth come about with the realisation that Jesus is the Christ?

Stott, Boice, and Kistemaker all make helpful comments.

How does John’s teaching (John 1:12-13), Jesus’ teaching (John 3), what Peter says about the new birth (1 Peter 1:18-23), and what Paul says about faith (Ephesians 2:6-10) fit with what John is saying in this letter (1 John 3:9, 4:7, 5:1, 4, 18)?

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